Freistadt: Medieval Walls and the Citizens' Brewery
Town walls, gate towers and beer owned by the townsfolk
FoodOberösterreichPhoto: HGT64, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
Freistadt in the Mühlviertel region has one of the best preserved medieval town fortifications in Austria. This private tour combines walls, gates and towers with the unique Braucommune, a brewery owned by the old town's householders.
Freistadt sat on the salt road to Bohemia and grew rich trading salt and iron. To protect it, a double ring of walls with moats, towers and gates such as the Linz Gate and the Bohemian Gate was built.
The large main square with its merchant houses, arcades and parish church shows the traders' wealth. The castle with its tall keep now houses the regional museum of the Mühlviertel.
Since 1777 the people of Freistadt have brewed their beer together in the Braucommune, with brewing rights tied to the houses inside the walls. At the end you learn about this tradition, and a tasting can be arranged on request.
Highlights
- Double ring of walls and moats
- Linz Gate and Bohemian Gate
- Main square with merchant houses
- Castle with its tall keep
- The citizens' brewing tradition
The route
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1Linz Gate
Entrance to the town
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2Main square
Trade and townhouses
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3Moat
Walls and towers
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4Braucommune
The citizens' beer
Who this tour is for
Great for history buffs, beer lovers and travelers heading to Bohemia.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees and tickets for cable cars, trains, boats or tastings are not included and are paid on site. Your guide is happy to tell you in advance what to expect.
Is the price per person or per group?
This is a private tour with a licensed Austrian tour guide. The price is per group, not per person, so it is just you and your own party.
Is a beer tasting included?
No. A tasting can be arranged on request and is paid separately. The walk is rewarding even without it.
